Ergonomics is an essential aspect of workplace safety and employee well-being. UP biokineticist Stefan Steenkamp tells us why and offers a few tips on how to support your posture while at work.

Workplace ergonomics involves designing and arranging workplaces, working equipment and work tools to fit the needs of workers, explains Stefan Steenkamp, a biokineticist intern at Wood and Nolte Biokinetics, based at the University of Pretoria’s (UP) Sport, Exercise, Medicine and Lifestyle Institute. This includes considering the physical and cognitive abilities of workers, as well as their comfort and safety while on the job.

Steenkamp holds a Higher Certificate in Sport Science and Education, a Bachelor of Sport Science and a BSc (Hons) in Biokinetics, all from UP. He is passionate about promoting proper ergonomics in the workplace.

“There are long-term benefits to ergonomics,” he says. “It can improve productivity, and reduce costs as well as common ergonomic injuries. There are various easy-to-implement solutions to ensure that you have a healthier workday.”

Ergonomics is the practice of designing the workplace to fit the employee, not the other way around. Steenkamp says that proper ergonomics can lead to a range of benefits, including increased employee performance and productivity, less burnout, fewer employee absences, lower healthcare costs and improved employee job satisfaction.

“In essence, ergonomics ensures that a job is suited to the employee, reducing the risk of injury and keeping them healthy and happy,” Steenkamp says. “For example, poor posture and prolonged sitting can lead to several musculoskeletal problems, including carpal tunnel syndrome – pain, numbness and tingling in the hand and wrist – back pain, neck pain and arthritis.”

Steenkamp emphasises the importance of maintaining good posture throughout the workday when sitting. This includes keeping your head level, shoulders relaxed, elbows at a 90- to120-degree angle, wrists straight and your back supported.

Fortunately, there are a few easy changes you can make to your workstation to improve your posture. Steenkamp recommends the following:

Adjusting the height of your chair so your feet are flat on the floor or on a footrest.
Using a lumbar support pillow for your lower back.
Keeping your keyboard and mouse at a comfortable height.

He points out that even with good posture, staying in one position for too long is unhealthy. Therefore, it is important to take regular breaks to stand up, move around and stretch.

Ergonomics should consider different body types and pre-existing conditions. Steenkamp suggests using adjustable furniture and equipment whenever possible.

“Consulting with a biokineticist can also help address specific needs and ensure proper exercise techniques to improve or maintain existing conditions,” he adds.

Employers can play a significant role in encouraging employees to adopt ergonomic practices. Steenkamp suggests they do this by leading by example with good ergonomic practices; providing ergonomic assessments and education; offering ergonomic equipment; and creating awareness campaigns.

“With the rise of remote work, ergonomics becomes even more important, Steenkamp says. “People who work from home tend to be more active, but should steer clear of the temptation to work from unhealthy positions, such as from their bed. Home offices may not be ideally set up, but simple adjustments using household items can help.”

The field of ergonomics is constantly evolving and recent trends include adjustable standing desks and walking pads as well as wearable technology that tracks activity and rewards healthy behaviours.

By embracing these trends and incorporating ergonomic principles into the workplace, businesses can create a healthier, more productive environment for employees.